Due October 2008 - getting bigger by the day!

[accessorizequeen]

Can't sleep won't sleep's List copied here for usefulness

29th Sept perkypopsy first baby smile Surprise
29th Sept WombFor1More 2 ds's 1 dd Boy
30th Sept Aubergenie first baby smile Surprise
30th Sept sambrads 1 ds 28th May
30th Sept buttercupbabe 1 ds
1st CantSleepWontSleep 1 dd Boy
1st accessorizequeen 2 ds's Twins shock - one of each
1st loulou33 1 ds Surprise (or home testing kit!)
2nd MrsBish 1 dc
2nd snowymum first baby smile Boy
2nd 1sttimer80 first baby smile Surprise. Hydronephrosis discovered. Extra scan at 28 weeks planned.
2nd Jane7 first baby smile
3rd SydneyB 1 dd
4th minervaitalica first baby smile Surprise (unintentionally!)
4th hedgepig 1 ds Surprise
4th pistachio 1 dc
4th annwoo 2 dc Surprise
5th myjobismum 1 ds Surprise
5th rosebury 3 ds's 2 dd's Boy
6th Bethoo 1 ds Girl
6th fairydust2 1 dd
6th iuseantiageingstuff 2 ds's 1 dd Boy
6th ronshar 2 dd's Surprise (with dangly bits wink)
7th belgo 2 dd's
8th kookiegoddess first baby smile
8th Alexa808 first baby smile
8th Ksal first baby smile Surprise
8th f1nut 3 dc
10th Lozza70 first baby smile Surprise
10th emkay 1 dd
10th pepperrabbit 2 ds's 6th June
11th Sprogstersmum 1 dd
12th chicken78 1 dd
12th star6 first baby
12th milfakamonkeymonkeymoomoo 1 dd
12th immo first baby smile
13th Lesley21
14th tedmundo 1 ds 29th May
14th twinklytoes 2 dd's Boy
14th BubbaAndBump 1 dd
15th mum2jakeyroo 2 ds's 28th May
15th fanvampbooks 1 dd
15th toomuchtimeonline first baby smile
16th moodywren 1 dd 2 ds's Boy
16th bigmouthstrikesagain 1 ds 1 dd 9th June
19th MrsTittleMouse 1 dd
19th rach010 1 ds 3rd June
20th 07mumstheword 1 dc 10th June
20th AandMsmum 2 dd's 3rd June
20th KnickersOnMaHead 1 dd
20th jenwa 1 dd 5th June
20th firsttimer08 first baby smile 16th June
21st hansnava 1 dd
21st rowanmac 1 ds Surprise
21st caramelbunny 1 dd
21st jess1996 first baby smile
22nd SmudgeyDoodle 1 ds 16th June
22nd ellensmelons 1 dd
23rd Sallypuss first baby smile 17th June
23rd Emmsy1 3 ds's 1 dd 9th June
24th sparklesandnowinefor9months 3 ds's 1 dd 13th June
25th Flum 2 dd's
26th gem1981 1 ds
26th oliviaelanasmum/4andnotout 3 dd's 16th June
26th born2twinkle 1 ds
26th mariekg 3 dc 4th June
28th UmSami 1 ds
29th Ekka 1 dd 23rd June
29th BabyDubsEverywhere 1 ds
30th Jambers99 1 ds 10th June
30th ChilledBunny ?? 12th June
Nov coolkat 1 dd

Flum I was 20 wks on Sunday and have only just started to feel movement over the last few days, I was starting to worry but a friend of mine told me she didn't feel movement until she was 24 wks with DS2. I think it can vary, try not to worry and I'm sure all will be confirmed as being well on Thursday.

I've been on the net for hours just catching up with you all and is only last week I was on.
I live in the back of beyond otherwise known as the north of scotland.

bethoo I got DS age 2yrs 3months to skip the potty altogther neither of us liked it so bought comfy toilet trainer seats and used that. He has been peeing standing up for last 3/12. You have to make sure its pointing down though but that holds true for potties too. Not so reliable for poops yet depends on mood. Any child that can twirl spaghetti round a fork and operate a DVD player can pee in a toilet IMO so we went for it.

I tried DS in tots bots but he has eczema and as the moisture didn't wick away as well as in disposables he was covered. When I had to coat my 3 month old in steroid cream we called it a day. Work then went pear shaped ( I ran my own business then)so had to go back. A 60 hour week and a baby don't match so we just carried on with disposables. Do still have them though so may try again as now an employee and have 9 months off.

Mat BI are usually issued around week 28/29 (legally) which is rubbish as you are entitled to full maternity rights from 24 weeks.

Mayhem here as attempting to redecorate room to be DS new room so newbie can have room next to us and pack to go on holiday for a fortnight on Sat. There appear to be piles of stuff everywhere. If I sneeze theres a domino effect and it all gets worse. in between I also have to sell raffle tickets for Toddler group, find toys for toy stall, go to work, organise pressies for all the birthdays when we are away etc etc etc while DH is concerned he has to cut the grass! Going to have a good hols though.

See you all when i get back although I'm not sure I'll have time to read 2 weeks worth of chat.

Now I sit here quietly something is tickling but doesn't feel like I remember babies do, more like a feather. I spose its tiny.

oh I do hope its alright in there

Flum I was the same it was more like a bubble then the last few says I can definately feel a prod/kick. It's mainly at night when I lie on my back before going to sleep.

Rowanmac Have a good hols

Flum - tickling is a good sign . You may well have an anterior placenta, which cushions the blows so you generally feel them a bit later. I've lost track of time a bit, but I reckon I was only just starting to feel stuff around 19 weeks (with number 2).

On the maternity benefit stuff, I realise today that i can't claim a penny of anything. I run my own company and am simply going to have to check emails, send the VAT return off, send submissions to customers for sales etc otherwise my business will die, and i'm not having that. And you can't work more than 10 days (and a half hour counts as a day). I must be a very tiny minority - those who can't take any proper maternity leave - but i do feel a touch hard done by. Not only can i not stop working, I can't get any benefit!

Congrats on good scan A&M, but for dh not letting you find out sex.

Jenwa - which schools did you go to? I'd have been a couple of years ahead of you, but did all my schooling in Worcs. Claines primary and then St Mary's.

Have a good holiday rowanmac.

I bought the first clothes for the new baby today. Had time to browse a bit in a huge Asda, and got twinpacks of trousers, tops and a pale blue cardi . Also bought a new nightie - I struggle to find ones with button fronts (needed for breastfeeding) in large sizes, so am still in the very well worn ones that I got when dd was born. New one is long enough to be respectable too, so will come on holiday with me in a couple of weeks. I get excited by the simplest things these days .

Is there no-one else who could do those things for you snowy, so that you could claim MA? I was offered odd days of work after I had dd, but had to turn it down for exactly that reason (was self-employed contractor).

Haven't been on for a while, been busy trying to get on with some knitting.

I have had my second scan and everythingd ok. My placenta is at the front which is apparently why I don't feel much movement as its cushioned by the placenta. They also said I have a placental band which could have affected the development of baby's limbs (but fortunately it hasn't) which makes me wonder why they didn't see it at the last scan.

I was given my MATB1 at 19 weeks. I don't work but dh needs it to get statutory paternity leave which you have to tell your employer about before 25 weeks. I don't get to see a midwife again until 28 weeks so maybe that why I got it so early.

snowymum can't you claim a maternity allowance being self employed? Is there not someone else that could do those things for you for a short while to give you a break? I may be being quite naive when it comes to running a business and it more than likely impossible!

Anyone know what's happened to tedmundo? She had her scan last Thurs and hasn't been back since. Let us know if you're ok tedmundo .

Right, am off to bed, but thought I'd do a quick stats update first. Pistachio - am I right in thinking that your scan is some time this week?

29th Sept perkypopsy first baby Surprise North Herts
29th Sept WombFor1More 2 ds's 1 dd Boy
30th Sept Aubergenie first baby Surprise
30th Sept sambrads 1 ds Girl
30th Sept buttercupbabe 1 ds
1st CantSleepWontSleep 1 dd Boy North Herts
1st accessorizequeen 2 ds's Twins - one of each
1st loulou33 1 ds Surprise (or home testing kit!)
2nd MrsBish 1 dc
2nd snowymum first baby Boy Near Oxford
2nd 1sttimer80 first baby Surprise. Hydronephrosis discovered. Extra scan at 28 weeks planned. Edgware (Royal Free, Hampstead)
2nd Jane7 first baby
2nd FranMum2B first baby Surprise Kingston
3rd SydneyB 1 dd
4th minervaitalica first baby Surprise (unintentionally!)
4th hedgepig 1 ds Surprise
4th pistachio 1 dc
4th annwoo 2 dc Surprise
5th myjobismum 1 ds Surprise
5th rosebury 3 ds's 2 dd's Boy
6th Bethoo 1 ds Girl Salisbury
6th fairydust2 1 dd
6th iuseantiageingstuff 2 ds's 1 dd Boy
6th ronshar 2 dd's Surprise (with dangly bits )
7th belgo 2 dd's
8th kookiegoddess first baby
8th Alexa808 first baby
8th Ksal first baby Surprise Hitchin
8th f1nut 3 dc
10th Lozza70 first baby Surprise NE London
10th emkay 1 dd 5th June
10th pepperrabbit 2 ds's 6th June
11th Sprogstersmum 1 dd
12th chicken78 1 dd
12th milfakamonkeymonkeymoomoo 1 dd Boy
12th immo first baby
12th star6 first baby 6th June Surbiton
13th Lesley21
14th tedmundo 1 ds 29th May
14th twinklytoes 2 dd's Boy
14th BubbaAndBump 1 dd
15th mum2jakeyroo 2 ds's Surprise Near Lancaster
15th fanvampbooks 1 dd
15th toomuchtimeonline first baby
16th moodywren 1 dd 2 ds's Boy
16th bigmouthstrikesagain 1 ds 1 dd 9th June Mid-Beds
19th MrsTittleMouse 1 dd
19th rach010 1 ds 3rd June
20th 07mumstheword 1 dc 10th June Bristol
20th AandMsmum 2 dd's Surprise Bristol
20th KnickersOnMaHead 1 dd
20th jenwa 1 dd 5th June Worcestershire
20th firsttimer08 first baby 16th June
21st hansnava 1 dd Luton
21st rowanmac 1 ds Surprise North Scotland
21st caramelbunny 1 dd
21st jess1996 first baby Surprise
21st GirlWithTheMouseyHair first baby Surprise SW London (St Thomas)
22nd SmudgeyDoodle 1 ds 16th June
22nd ellensmelons 1 dd
23rd Sallypuss first baby 17th June
23rd Emmsy1 3 ds's 1 dd 9th June
24th sparklesandnowinefor9months 3 ds's 1 dd 13th June
25th Flum 2 dd's
26th gem1981 1 ds
26th oliviaelanasmum/4andnotout 3 dd's 16th June
26th born2twinkle 1 ds
26th mariekg 3 dc 4th June
28th UmSami 1 ds
29th Ekka 1 dd 23rd June
29th BabyDubsEverywhere 1 ds
30th Jambers99 1 ds 10th June NW London (Hillingdon)
30th ChilledBunny ?? 12th June
Nov coolkat 1 dd

Oh you are sweet to care! No, maternity allowance has the same rules as SMP - can't work more than 10 Keep In Touch days. And no, there's no one else who can do what I need to do. I'll just have to suck it up!

That's such a shame, well as long as you can keep your work to a minimum just to keep everything ticking along nicely, I hope you've got help at hand should you need it..

My work is starting to take it's toll on me already, I only work three nights a week and finish at midnight, which wouldn't be so bad if dd2 stayed asleep later than 5.30-6.00am so I'm still spending half the time in a sleepy daze.

Hi moodywren glad to hear you're keeping well.

Hey ladies,
I can't believe I have only just joined something like this, it is so nice knowing other people worry about the same things! I'm self employed too but think I qualify for maternity allowance I should really double check.

Hey star6 I'm in Surbiton too! (well actually Balham until Aug when our tennent finally leaves , I then have 6 weeks to sort our flat out before the DueDate! Advice for the scan is to walk around and stand up before going in, she does get you to go off and come back again if not baby not in right position. Goodluck,I'm really pleased with them so far! We are doing the sat onestop antenatal class on 16th aug because my hubby works away during week,and I'm in Balham, are you in any other groups?

Flum - hope the scan goes well, try not to worry I didn't feel anything until the week after my 20 week scan.

Morning everyone,

Just thought I'd post a reply for Flum's question. I am 20+1 today and I think I finally felt the baby move yesterday evening after I went to bed (though it may have been gas). It was quite low down and was like no other sensation I've ever had before so I'm hoping that was the baby! Anyway, I have an anterior placenta and as others have said that can reduce the amount of movement you feel. I must admit I was beginning to panic and it was a massive relief to have my scan and find out that everything was ok and also that there was possibly a reason for the lack of movement. Anyway, hope your scan goes ok and you get t feel the baby soon. I know I'm desperate to feel a proper kick.

Gosh its a busy thread!
CSWS went to Henwick Grove which later changed to Oldbury Park then on to Christopher Whitehead (st Johns) Not the best school and mum now wishes she had known more aout schools before we moved here as woul have prefered Blessed Edwards. It was fine for me though, they were local and we still live in the same area now so maybe DD will end up there too!!!

flum try not to worry although easier said then done. We have our scans same day so will be thinking of you. Sure all is ok .

Thank you for all your reassuring messages. I did feel feathery tickles last night. So I think things are ok. It will all be clear on Thursday.

I am in Wiltshire by the way, for your stats. Baby will by born in Swindon.

CSWS could you add me to the list next time please I live in Bristol, and thanks for keeping us all organised. All great here off now to have my nails done etc back later.

Thanks for keeping us all updated CSWS you do a fantastic job I just thought I'd update that my DC is a DD and added Rosebury's location. Hope I don't mess it up

29th Sept perkypopsy first baby Surprise North Herts
29th Sept WombFor1More 2 ds's 1 dd Boy
30th Sept Aubergenie first baby Surprise
30th Sept sambrads 1 ds Girl
30th Sept buttercupbabe 1 ds
1st CantSleepWontSleep 1 dd Boy North Herts
1st accessorizequeen 2 ds's Twins - one of each
1st loulou33 1 ds Surprise (or home testing kit!)
2nd MrsBish 1 dc
2nd snowymum first baby Boy Near Oxford
2nd 1sttimer80 first baby Surprise. Hydronephrosis discovered. Extra scan at 28 weeks planned. Edgware (Royal Free, Hampstead)
2nd Jane7 first baby
2nd FranMum2B first baby Surprise Kingston
3rd SydneyB 1 dd
4th minervaitalica first baby Surprise (unintentionally!)
4th hedgepig 1 ds Surprise
4th pistachio 1 dc
4th annwoo 2 dc Surprise
5th myjobismum 1 ds Surprise
5th rosebury 3 ds's 2 dd's Boy Bristol
6th Bethoo 1 ds Girl Salisbury
6th fairydust2 1 dd
6th iuseantiageingstuff 2 ds's 1 dd Boy
6th ronshar 2 dd's Surprise (with dangly bits )
7th belgo 2 dd's
8th kookiegoddess first baby
8th Alexa808 first baby
8th Ksal first baby Surprise Hitchin
8th f1nut 3 dc
10th Lozza70 first baby Surprise NE London
10th emkay 1 dd 5th June
10th pepperrabbit 2 ds's 6th June
11th Sprogstersmum 1 dd
12th chicken78 1 dd
12th milfakamonkeymonkeymoomoo 1 dd Boy
12th immo first baby
12th star6 first baby 6th June Surbiton
13th Lesley21
14th tedmundo 1 ds 29th May
14th twinklytoes 2 dd's Boy
14th BubbaAndBump 1 dd
15th mum2jakeyroo 2 ds's Surprise Near Lancaster
15th fanvampbooks 1 dd
15th toomuchtimeonline first baby
16th moodywren 1 dd 2 ds's Boy
16th bigmouthstrikesagain 1 ds 1 dd 9th June Mid-Beds
19th MrsTittleMouse 1 dd
19th rach010 1 ds 3rd June
20th 07mumstheword 1 dd 10th June Bristol
20th AandMsmum 2 dd's Surprise Bristol
20th KnickersOnMaHead 1 dd
20th jenwa 1 dd 5th June Worcestershire
20th firsttimer08 first baby 16th June
21st hansnava 1 dd Luton
21st rowanmac 1 ds Surprise North Scotland
21st caramelbunny 1 dd
21st jess1996 first baby Surprise
21st GirlWithTheMouseyHair first baby Surprise SW London (St Thomas)
22nd SmudgeyDoodle 1 ds 16th June
22nd ellensmelons 1 dd
23rd Sallypuss first baby 17th June
23rd Emmsy1 3 ds's 1 dd 9th June
24th sparklesandnowinefor9months 3 ds's 1 dd 13th June
25th Flum 2 dd's
26th gem1981 1 ds
26th oliviaelanasmum/4andnotout 3 dd's 16th June
26th born2twinkle 1 ds
26th mariekg 3 dc 4th June
28th UmSami 1 ds
29th Ekka 1 dd 23rd June
29th BabyDubsEverywhere 1 ds
30th Jambers99 1 ds 10th June NW London (Hillingdon)
30th ChilledBunny ?? 12th June
Nov coolkat 1 dd

Hello my lovelies. I have been busy so not had much surf time recently.

CSWS - you are lovely to notice I had not posted about the scan and I am so sorry to worry you. Everything was fine. Lots of movements, correct numbers of fingers and toes etc. Saw the consultant and he booked me in for another growth scan at 35 weeks in case the pre-eclampsia has come back and restricts the baby's growth. So I get to see him/her again before the birth - hurray!

I live in Bristol and will be having the baby at Southmead. I think there are quite a few of us from Brizzle on here.

I use disposables and find the Tesco own brand the best, much better than named brands and far cheaper.

DH can finally feel the kicks too. It makes me v happy to share this with him as until he can feel it too, it all seems a bit one sided!

Hi all,

Nice to hear about scans etc. Must sort out mat leave request keep avoiding thinking about it!!1

Pistachio - yes nature babycare are great but a bit pricey although i think all nappies are expensive (such a cheapskate).

RowanMac - hey its no more in touch with the outside world in southern scotland you know...but somehow i quite like it like that except when need to get to glasgow or to real world!

its a great idea to add locations. I'm in Greenwich, London. Still counting the weeks (yes, not days !) to the scan. Have 2 more weeks to go, so lets hope all's ok on the big day.

So what is the consensus on the MATB1 form? I'm 20 weeks now - but my midwife appointment is not until week 22. Should I get in touch with my GP and request a form? It seems some people have not had luck going that route.

Also, i have just realised that we will also be taxed on the SMP - so it would go down from the generous £117 even !

Hi everyone. Can't believe how many messages there are in a day! WE've all obviously got lots to say or lots of worries
Whoever was asking about maternity allowance. You pick up a form from your local job centre and it's fairly self-explanatory. I got to claim it last time after leaving my job when pregnant but nothing for us this time as I'm not working.
I'm in Newcastle and baby will be born in Gateshead.
Glad scans are going alright and hope people who want to find out sex get a good view and those who don't have shy babies!